Indonesia-PNG border talks

Indonesia-PNG border talks

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Officials from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea held their regular border discussion meeting in Vanimo this week, but did not touch on the release of the 12 people held captive by separatist rebels in Irian Jaya.

The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming Border Liaison Meeting and the planned development of a highway connecting the two countries, officials said.

Moses Weror, a leader of the separatist movement living in exile in Papua New Guinea, claims to have control over the abductors. He is now demanding that the Indonesian government recognize a separate Irian Jaya state in return for the release of the hostages.

Alex Erubun, chief of Irian Jaya office overseeing border affairs, told Antara that the hostage crisis was not discussed because the Papua New Guinea government has nothing to do with the rebels. (pan)